This branch has such a uniquely inviting entrance way. it's this floor to ceiling sea blue tiles and a long stairway up to the library which is located on the 2nd floor. From the minute you walk in to this branch you find yourself thinking 'this is somewhere special' and I feel like that should be the feeling you have going in to any library. Staff is very friendly (maybe to their detriment as everywhere I looked there was some form of a line with people waiting while staff bent over backwards to help whomever they were talking to to a level beyond expectations). I really appreciated that but could see how so impatient customers could see that as a negative. Overall, this branch is smaller than most LAPL branches. And the ground level parking lot is very small with narrow spots. if this is your local branch, it's definitely worth visiting as much as possible. However, I think if you live closer to another brach, best to visit that one than go out of your way to visit this branch. read more

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pros: - it has a nice ambience - you can park in the neighborhood nearby - open on sundays ??: - there a sign with a rule that your bag and other items cannot be more than a certain amount in total and i wasn't sure if my 2 bags were too much or not but i was already a few blocks away from my car at that point so i just went in and no one got mad at me - it's not super quiet which is bad if you need it to be dead silent but good if you don't like having to worry about every single minor sound you might create cons: - it's not that big so there aren't really good spots that are out of the way of people - there are not outlets reachable from every sitting spot like there are with other libraries. they're mostly by the computers and group tables which is not good cause people who have come by themselves will have to either go without an outlet or take up a whole group table/ computer spot - the bathroom doors are kind of weird and confusing to open so you're not sure if you should keep trying or someone is in there that you don't want to terrorize. also due to this scenario while using the restroom you may be terrorized by repeated break in attempts read more

Robertson Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Such a nice little library. I need to stop by this area while driving because I have a class and discovered this hidden gem! Cool exterior and interior design. Free parking, plenty of seatings and strong wifi. Staffs are really nice too! Would definitely visit again my next study session. read more

Robertson Branch Library - Interior design. - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Robertson library has a nice selection of books to checkout. However, a librarian at this location doesn't belong here. Rude and selfish would fine words to describe her. read more

Great location, super friendly, and helpful staff. One of the few that's open on Sundays, which I greatly appreciate. Very clean and well-maintained with an excellent selection. read more

I come here every week, my local library. It's the closest public library to me. Parking: They have a tiny parking lot underneath the library and in the back that possibly fits around 12 cars. There is street parking in front of the library or parking along the street, just make sure to read the signs so you don't get a ticket. Books: They have a small but decent selection. You can always put things on hold and have the book shipped to this location in case it isn't physically there. Space: There are two stories, the main room is on the second floor. You can take the stairs or elevator. On the right side they have some rooms you can reserve to study, a teen section and some chairs and tables to use. On the left side they have the majority of the books, about 6 tables, the computers, and printer. Vibe: I mainly go here to print. You get 10 free copies a day. I always feel safe, it can get crowded but I've never had to wait for anything. Staff is pretty nice. Glad it's close to me. Keep public libraries alive! read more

I go to this library all the time because it's so close to my home. Its staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You can pick up holds you make online, as well as books present at the library itself. They get new books pretty quickly. They are also very good at catering to the neighborhood. For example, there are many Jewish books and books in Farsi, and the library is open on Sunday instead of Saturday because so many patrons keep the Jewish sabbath. The space inside is light and airy due to the large windows. When my kids were young, we attended many wonderful events at the library, too. There's a nice auditorium on the first floor and the collection is upstairs, accessible by steps or an elevator. There's good bathroom access (essential especially if you are there with kids). There are a few downsides. The selection of children's and teens' books is quite good, but the selection of adult books--particularly fiction--is rather small. This can be greatly alleviated by using the online hold process via LAPL's website, but if you just want to browse and pick something because of the cover or the bookflap, it can be a bit demoralizing. The other thing is that the sorting system is...weird. For example, There's a dedicated sci-fi section, but not a dedicated fantasy section. But there are also a lot of sci-fi books in the main adult fiction section. It makes it harder to just explore and find new books. The parking lot is adequate at most times, but not on Sundays, around school dismissal (it's only about a 5-minutes walk from the closest elementary school, so it's popular with students), and on Friday afternoon (when so many patrons are picking out books to read for Shabbat). I realize that that paragraph listing the downsides looks long, but really, this is a great little library and serves our neighborhood very well. read more

I love my local library! It's a bit outdated but everyone is nice and they have some solid selection.

Quiet and clean. I love to go there and read. The parking can get tight but it is a nice place

This location has always struck me as a little odd. I actually didn't realize it existed for the longest time. It's in between buildings on Robertson and easy to miss. The parking lot is tiny, so I usually park on the street (free and not metered). And for all those visual folks, when I say tiny, envision about 5 parking spots, a library drop box and a wall to navigate around. If that's how you get down, by all means, check that lot out. I'll be the one one parking on the street walking by you and shaking my head. You enter on the ground floor and have to go upstairs ( elevator is present for accessibility needs). I like their DVD offerings. Usually, they have an ample selection and good availability. Hey, I'm a teacher. I've found plenty of enrichment films and documentaries here over the years. They also have some DVDs that are slightly too old for the Red Box Machine. The reference staff and check-out staff are usually very nice. The reference librarian actually gets out from behind her desk and helps patrons. She's a great representative of the Los Angeles Public Library System. Final Word: I get in and get out of libraries; I like efficient and productive trips. This location rarely lets me down. (See that good semi colon usage ha ha) read more

I haven't stepped into a library in over five years. I decided to read more and got a library card here. This library is super small as well as it's parking lot. Great news - It's open on Sundays! The library is so small that most likely this library won't have the book you are looking for. However, since it is part of the Los Angeles Library system, you can order my books online and pick them up at this location. It's super easy! As for renewals? I remember I physically had to go into the library to renew books, now you can renew them online! read more

I came to this library one wednesday afternoon to get some work done but unfortunately I went all the way to the back (near the children's section), where it was empty at first. That quickly changed when mothers started to bring their kids in. I didn't think this was going to be a problem of course, because I always assume the best in people, but I forgot that I was in Los Angeles. These mothers let their kids run rampant, screaming bloody murder the entire time. They were knocking things over, running into people, attacking other children, and the poor librarian had to come police them, while the mothers were doing god knows what. I couldn't hear myself think, so I had to get out of there. If you're one of these kind of "parents", that thinks allowing their kids to be kids (which means you're a bad parent and your kid is a little shit), then do the world a favor and don't have anymore. They're going to grow up to be assholes, we need less of them. The library itself isn't too bad. It's rather small, located on a busy street, with limited parking. Free wifi, but the signal and speeds are weak. I'm giving it a 3 star rating because it attracts and maybe encourages parents like that to come. read more

Good place to study/work, and open on Sunday (unlike most libraries in the area). Plenty of parking, even on a weekend. Quiet, and good wifi. Plus, the big, bright windows make it a pleasant place to get stuff done. read more

Robertson Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This Yelp review is written in regards to me checking out DVD's that were locked in there cases. I brought the issue up with the particular DVD's at the counter of the Robertson Library, and the staff member at the counter took care of the issue. She ended up returning the DVD's (since I couldn't see them during my loan period), then re-checking them out to me unlocked. For the record: I also happened to complain on my visit to the branch that a book I'd checked out had some mold on it's front and back cover. The staff member made note of it so the library where the book came from knows about it. read more

Conveniently located a 10-minute walk from where I live, I adore this library. High ceilings and ample natural lighting, this location is a pleasure to visit. It's fairly small, but if you utilize the holding system online, you can hold a book for pick-up at any LA public library, which makes it easy for me because I can pick it up right here. My favorite thing about this library is baby & toddler storytime every Wednesday at 10:30am, with playtime before and after. Ms. Amy, the children's librarian, is wonderful with the kids, even when it gets packed. So keep in mind, tots WILL be running around, singing, dancing, and reading stories Wednesday mornings, so plan ahead if you're thinking about coming in to do some quiet reading. Plus, there's a parking lot! :) read more

I am trying this review from inside the library. On a Sunday. Enough said. Free computer access, free DVD rentals (newer DVDs arrive at the library about the same time they get into the stores), free books, free classes. What more can you ask for? Sunday operating hours? Yeah, they got that here too. In all honesty, this library has a weird vibe, perhaps it is the funky architecture or the lighting, but this branch doesn't feel as welcoming as some of the other branches I've been too, and I go to a lot of them because I like free stuff :) This is what the building looks like so you won't pass it driving by: http://www.you-are-here.com/modern/library.html A few things set this library off from some of the other branches: - When you check out a DVD, you get the case off the shelf and at the check-out desk they will get the actual DVD from behind the counter and put it in the case. This can make the line slow, but it keeps people from stealing DVDs, which they do often. - They have a Computer Research Room (I don't know what is in there but it is a separate glassed off office set off from the rest of the public computers - They are closed on Saturdays (other branches are open Saturday and closed Sunday) - Like the Westwood Branch, the main library area is on the 2nd floor of the building = stairs or elevator Parking is in the small lot at ground level or on the street. Libraries are great places to be on any day, but on a Sunday when your home internet is down, or you need to print and Kinko's costs too much (25-cents a page here), you want some DVDs but don't feel like paying for Redbox, the kids need something to do, or you just want to get out of the house, this is the place to be. read more

I studied here last week. It's very clean and nice inside. I wish they had more sunlight but I understand it's difficult due to the way the windows are set up. The only thing I didn't like were the lack of tables! There aren't very many places to sit at this location. You sort of just have to walk up to someone's table and ask if you can sit with them. Someone did that to me while I was there, so I made a new friend at least. read more

I love this branch! It's the only LAPL branch that is open on Sundays, which is great for when you've procrastinated on your studying and you're waiting to study on Sunday for your test on Monday (not that I've ever done such a thing). The trade off is that it's closed on Saturdays but you've got all the other branches open. This library is pretty to look at, it's spacious, has a pretty good DVD selection, some computers, a small parking lot in the back, and some bike racks by the door. I usually bike to the library so parking hasn't been an issue but when I do drive, I just park in the neighborhood (read those signs, less ye be ticketed!).The book selection is limited but place a hold on the LAPL website and mozy on over when your book arrives. I've been to many libraries around LA and this is definitely one of the good ones. read more

Very small library and not very clean. The books were pretty well organized but I just wish they had a larger selection and more comfortable seating. read more

It's a nice library for small children and elementary school kids, but if your a serious student who is trying to study for an exam. Or like myself a state board exam this would not be the place to study!!! Too many people walking around, kids crying and you can even hear them from the outside of the building still screaming. That's if they are crying of course. Sorry to say I won't be back here to study. So although it's a nice environment for children it's not for the serious student that needs that quite environment to focus. read more

I am a library aficionado. They need to be cozy, well used, friendly and well-stocked for me to give full kudos. The Robertson Branch is my nearest local branch, and (unfortunately) it falls a little short, but is still an infinitely useful and worthwhile place (as is nearly every library). The good? It's a great community hub - always busy (without being too noisy) and has a number of good periodicals in a hallway off the main entry downstairs. The DVD selection is also pretty good, though the discs are often too scratched to play in my DVD player at home. Oh, and this is one of the few libraries I've been to where older edition magazines can be checked out (not the most recent issue, but anything under the racks). The okay? The selection of non-fiction books is pretty strong, but they could do better on the fiction section (though they do get props for providing texts in multiple languages to serve this diverse community). The bad? There are two people working usually, sometimes three, but there is only ever ONE person at the circulation desk. This is a problem at such a busy library - the lines never go very fast and people dropping books OFF during business hours have to use the same line (there's no indoor drop box which I find odd). I have no idea why the other people who are working can't open the other computer (which appears to be properly equipped) and help relieve some of the line. I'm just sayin'. All in all, love the library, but for such a popular location, Robertson could use a little help. :) read more

Unfortunately the Robertson branch has no idea what good patron service is. I walked in a few minutes before they were closing (I didn't know they closed early) and was browsing books. When I was told at 4:31 p.m. they were closed they basically threw me out. Even though I was already in the library they would not let me check out any books. When I went downstairs to leave they had locked the front door and the guy who had the key to the door was standing right there but refused to unlock it to let me out. Instead he made me go out the back door and walk around to the street to get to my car. read more

I've only been here twice, so perhaps my sample size is a bit off. This branch is my first experience in the LA library system. I have experience frequenting the Atlanta and DC public libraries (AKA. "Cred"). Just kidding. So I went to the Robertson Branch on the way home from work looking for a couple of books. First, I needed a library card. The woman at the front desk was initially nice and kindly explained that I needed to bring in a bill because my address recently changed. She issued me a card for one book rental. So I decided to try and look for my book. I looked up the reference number and proceeded to the section. No book. Confused, I spent about 10 minutes looking up and down the isle for my book. No dice. So I finally gave up and went back to the woman I initially met. Before I could even complete my question she immediately pointed me to a woman across the library and shouted "not me, the librarian!". Ok, "that's a bit odd" I thought. So I go and try my luck with the librarian. This time before I could even start my question she says "what do you want?". "Well that's also odd" I thought. Eventually after getting a few confused looks, she was able to answer my question. Apparently this library has 2 sections for the type of book that I was looking for -- with the same reference numbers! So in summary. -1 star for strange organization. -1 star for less than enthusiastic customer service. Everything else seems nice. read more

Cons: This isn't the coziest of libraries, and it tends to get crowded after school. Plus, parking is truly a nightmare. Pros: The librarians are helpful, kind, and welcoming and keep the place in great working order. Plus, even when crowded, this branch is surprisingly quiet and people treat each other with a lot of respect. The branch is small so its collection is limited, but LAPL's great hold system really makes that pretty much a nonissue. Overall, I feel lucky to have this branch in my neighborhood. read more

Great place to study. The internet is fast and always works well. Staff is friendly and will help you with anything you need. If you need a break, you can always help finish the puzzle in the front. read more

attention manager of this branch. you have a rude man answering the phone there .i called monday night about 720 plenty of time to get there,he gave me the wrong directions and i called back he was short irritated and said well you wont make it now i have people in line and hung up on me. he should be fired. does this idiot know he has a job because of the public?? he should never work with the public again. read more

A nice place if you dont want to study. The architecture is really strange, and the patrons are super noisy. Free wifi and cool book sales. Very loud for a library. read more

Fairly wide and open feel on the second floor with big windows. Decent selection of materials, small parking lot in the back. read more

The Robertson Branch of the LA Public Library is my local library, but this review also applies generally to the LA Public Library. I discovered the LA Public Library in the last couple of months, and it is the best. EVER. Before, I would look up books in the online catalogue and become discouraged when the catalogue would tell me that my desired books were available only at some far-flung location. But then, a friend taught me about the excellent "hold" feature, which lets you have books delivered from anywhere in the LAPL system to your branch of choice! So you have the entire catalogue available to you. I've increased my reading exponentially since I discovered this amazing feature. As for the Robertson branch of the LAPL, it's pretty decent. The parking is awful (the parking lot is tiny), and street parking is sometimes very difficult. Also, every time I park on Robertson next to the library, I always fear the cars that rapidly speed by very close to my car - as on Melrose Ave., you can't really open your car door until traffic has passed by. But on the upside, the librarians at this branch are super-sweet and helpful. Bottom line: I am completely, absolutely in love with the LA Public Library and its wonderful transfer function. I don't know what I did before it. read more

Extremely easy parking and check out process. Absolutely beautiful building and kind staff.

Had a bad experience at this library. I have checked many books here in and out for so many years for me and my son who just turned 14. Just about a year or a year and half ago, my son decided to open his own account, on the card application he was asked to fill in his first, last names, and home address and possibly home phone number. just last Monday April 13, 2015 he asked me to return for him his last book after the others were dropped in return box on the 9th. I was shocked when the librarian told me that late fees had accrued in the amount of $ 101.xx!. Even though my son didn't have email address but he had provided a home address as part of an application process. In this case, they could have dropped a notification card in the mail and this could have saved me this hefty fine, just a prepaid 20-cent stamp on a card. I check out books in other libraries and I always get notifications 3 days prior. Either by emails or cards in the mail or both. I live near this library but with this experience, I told my son to never a gain check books using his own card. Instead to use mine. And both of us will never go back to Robertson Library. read more

This is a great LA branch. Quiet, nice staff, and small but not too small. There is a lot of good stuff on the shelves, especially since this branch doesn't get the high traffic that a lot of LA branches get. read more

Quiet and clean. It's got its fair share of weirdos, but what library doesn't?! Staff is really nice and they're open on Sundays, which is awesome. Good place to check out a book, get some research done, or study. read more